The Tribe is a Ukrainian silent thriller presented with zero subtitles. Directed by Myroslav Slaboshpytskiy, this film stars the deaf community with dialogue presented through sign language.
Also written by Myroslav Slaboshpytskiy, The Tribe is set at a boarding school for deaf children. In this bewitching film, students have rebelled against proper behavior and begun a more criminal lifestyle. Refusing to conform to good behavior and abide by the law, the students of this school partake in felonious acts such as prostitution and violent brawls. When asked about removing actual dialogue and subtitles, Slaboshpytskiy stated that this technique helps "expose human nature in its prehistoric way".
A three-minute clip of The Tribe is available on the Dazed website while the trailer can be seen above.
Silent Unsubtitled Films
Myroslav Slaboshpytskiy’s 'The Tribe' Shines Light On the Deaf Community
Trend Themes
1. Silent Cinema - Silent films, once a relic of the past, are making a comeback as filmmakers experiment with new forms of storytelling without dialogue.
2. Deaf Artistry - The success of The Tribe demonstrates that there is an appetite for films that specifically celebrate the artistic talent and creativity of the deaf community.
3. Language-less Storytelling - The lack of subtitles in The Tribe presents a unique opportunity to explore storytelling that transcends language and creates a universal cinematic experience.
Industry Implications
1. Film Production - Filmmakers can experiment with silent films and diverse casting choices to attract new audiences and break into untapped markets.
2. Deaf Community Services - The success of The Tribe can inspire new initiatives that celebrate and empower the deaf community, including film festivals, art programs, and cultural centers.
3. Education - The boarding school setting of The Tribe highlights the need for greater awareness and support for deaf education, including inclusive curriculum design and accessible resources.